All fired up
for artwork

A NEW company is set to bring creative art to the children of Hartlepool.

BloomInArt NorthEast hopes to nurture the bright talents of children aged five to 25 by giving them workshops where their natural skills can come out.

They can show off their artistic nature and develop their individual style, said company owners Emma Wheetman, 39, and Rachel Laycock, 35.

The women have set up BloomInArt as a community interest company. It has already become an accredited Arts Award centre and Emma said: “The workshops will capture, develop and encourage young people to find their

inner artist, build confidence in their talents and individual style.”

As well as going out to schools and youth clubs, BloomInArt also has its own studio space inside Hartlepool Enterprise Centre, in Brougham Terrace.

Rachel said: “We specialise in kiln-formed glass, and offer other specialised techniques such as ceramics, textiles, printmaking and sculpture.”

The long-time friends praise the Enterprise Centre for their support they received to launch the company. It will get under way with a new programme aimed at younger children.

Emma explained: “They have supported the development of a pilot Arts Award programme aimed at youngsters aged six and seven.”

It will involve creative workshops which will run for nine weeks, on Wednesdays from 4.30pm to 6.30pm from March 19.

After the programme is completed, the work that the youngsters produce will go on show in a gallery.

Spaces are running out for anyone interested in joining the course.

For more information email info@bloominart.co.uk.

Emma added: “The long-term vision of BloomInArt is to provide a vehicle for regular arts activity within the community. Embracing the arts at a young age can have a huge impact on a child’s overall learning and development.